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Teeth Whitening: In-Office or At-Home?

There are many ways to whiten the teeth, but there are two that greatly stand out from the others. In-office and at-home teeth whitening are two very popular whitening treatments because they are dentist supervised and have been proven time and again to be very effective. So, which teeth whitening treatment is the better choice? Leading dental practice in Murrells Inlet, SC, Carolina Dental Center, answers this question and gives you details about these two treatments. May this information help you decide which teeth whitening treatment to choose.

In-office teeth whitening is a bleaching treatment performed at the dental office. The dentist and his team perform and supervise the entire process, which essentially benefits you in a lot of ways. Here are the advantages of in-office teeth whitening.

High grade bleaching products are used, so very effective results can be seen.

The process is completely safe for you.

Tooth stains caused by both internal and external factors are effectively addressed.

The treatment is completed in as little as one hour.

It offers instantaneous results.

What Happens During In-Office Teeth Whitening?

In-office teeth whitening is basically the application of bleaching gel on your teeth by trained and experienced professionals. The process begins with prep work. The dentist covers the soft tissues of your mouth (gums and lips), to minimize sensitivity. He then proceeds with gel application, carefully placing the gel all over your teeth. Once this is done, the teeth are exposed to a special curing light. The light works by activating the bleaching agents, so they penetrate deep within your teeth to remove even the most stubborn stains and discoloration. The final outcome is a beautiful smile transformation!

At-home teeth whitening is a treatment done by you, using the whitening kit provided by the dentist. It offers several distinct advantages which are as follows:

Teeth whitening is performed at the comforts of home.

Teeth whitening is done at your own pace and time.

The customized trays allow the bleach to be in close contact with your teeth.

You get sparkling white teeth as a result.

This treatment is simple enough to follow.

What Happens during At-Home Teeth Whitening?

First, the doctor takes your dental impression. This will be sent to an outside laboratory that will fabricate your custom-made trays. Once the trays are done, the dentist gives them to you along with your bleaching gels.

To begin treatment, you are instructed to apply the bleaching agent into the tray that you are about to wear. Once the gel is properly applied, simply put on your customized tray and wear it for long hours every day. While most patients prefer to wear their custom trays during sleep, this decision rests on your hands. The trays are comfy enough to be used during daytime. So long as the trays are worn regularly and repeatedly for 2 straight weeks, you will achieve the desired effects. At-home teeth whitening may not be as instantaneous as in-office bleaching, but you will also get the bright white teeth that you desire.

Talk with us about Teeth Whitening

Visit us, at Carolina Dental Center, so we can discuss your teeth whitening concern. You can choose between in-office and at-home teeth whitening or choose both treatments. Our doctors will need to examine your teeth and talk with you about your needs and goals. We will then recommend the best whitening solution for you. Contact us today, and let’s begin the journey to bright, white teeth.